Top Trucks: India's 5-popular 14-wheel trucks 

The 14-wheel rigid trucks are used in the long-haul transportation typically is 42T gross vehicle weight category. This segment has emerged as an important growth driver for truck makers as it grew many folds over the last few years. Apart from the key traditional leaders in HCVs Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland, players like Eicher, Mahindra, and BharatBenz are now offering compelling products in this vital category. We get to the details of the top models in the segment. 

The Indian transport and logistics industry has expanded significantly over the last decade. The trucks are more powerful, highly modern, compliant of stringent BS6 emissions and become truly global in every sense. This is further complemented by the fast improving infrastructure in the transport & logistics ecosystems and an extensive network of highways and expressways and use of technologies. This has bolstered average daily truck speeds, and with the increased axle load norms, Indian heavy-trucks now carry nearly 25% more cargo than they traditionally had been.

In this rapid shift, the heavy-duty rigid trucks have become the most efficient, economical to run and carry bulk & heavy cargo load across long-routes. Fleet-operators are deploying these trucks as they offer compelling operating economic; thus, the demand for multi-axle trucks is growing. This segment has three key categories- 28T, 35T, and 42T GVW, namely 10, 12, and 14-wheel trucks, as they are known in the industry. 

In the 42T GVW -14-wheel category of the truck have recorded considerable growth over the last few years as more and more fleet-operators using this truck to carry more rated cargo most cost effectively. This has prompted OEMs to address the segment with a competitive product with burgeoning features and performance characteristics. These truck find applications in many areas including market load, tankers, cement, bulker, industrial goods, construction material, boxes among others segments.We look closely at the top products in the 14-wheel trucks category. 

Tata LPT 4225 Cowl 

Market leader Tata Motors LPT 4225 Cowl is the top truck in the category. This 14-wheeler is equipped with a powerful Cummins ISBe 6.7L BS6 with massive 250hp of power and 950 Nm of torque to take on any challenging cargo on India's tough roads. The TATA G950 6-speed manual gearbox, 395 mm dia push type single plate dry fiction organic lining clutch, heavy-duty axles, and durable suspension support the powertrain. 

The chassis of this Tata Motors massive truck is ladder type, heavy-duty frame in 285 x 65 x 8.5 size with 295/90R20 radial tube tyres for better pickup and mileage, The polymer fuel tanks are 365 and 300 sizes with anti-fuel theft. Tata Motors is offering deck length options of 8534 and 9144 mm. 

Ashok Leyland 4220

Ashok Leyland has 4220 truck in the category to take on the market leader based on the AVTR modular platform with an efficient powertrain and many segments leading performance features. The 4220 is fitted with new H series 6-cylinder CRS with iGen-6 technology BS6 engine. The engine is capable of 200HP of power and 700 Nm of torque sufficient for carrying full-load cargo. To address various cargo needs, the body options on this massive truck are are 28, 30, and 32 ft with a wheelbase of 6600 mm, overall width is 2570 mm, and lengths are 10960, 11560, 11960 mm. 

Ashok Leyland is offering on this truck a combination of cabin & chassis, cowl & chassis, full and high side deck with both premium, value, and economy cabins options to choose. 

Eicher Pro 6042

Eicher is another player in the segment with its equally prominent Pro 6042 packed with contemporary features. The Pro 6042 offers all the key performance elements and features to the customer, including the modern VEDX8 BS6 engine. It comes with a 260hp of power and as high as 1000 Nm of torque. 

Offered as cabin and body and high side deck variants, Eicher Pro 6042 is available in 4 load body spans so the customer can select as per the applications. Besides the powerful aggregates such as axles, suspension, clutch, and brakes, Eicher offers key technologies on its HCVs. These are M-Booster, Fuel Coaching, Cruise Control, and Eicher Live to boost the overall fleet performance and utilisation for profitable logistics business. 

Blazo X 42

Mahindra Blazo X 42 another prominent product in this category, which is a key differentiator such as higher mileage, superior aggregates, and full after-sales support across all key long-haul routes in India. Blazo X 42 is available in both the cabin and body as well as chassis options too. 

The key highlights of this model are the mPOWER fuelsmart engine with multimode switches, lower TCD for better manoeuvrability, tag axle at the end for increased tyre life. Also, the new enhanced cabin for better driver productivity and comfortable driving experience. This truck offers superior payload capacities along with the Mahindra's iMAXX telematics technology to better utilise the truck and run an efficient fleet operation.

BharatBenz 4228R

BharatBenz 4228R another truck in this category to take on aggressive competition. BharatBenz has expanded the Indian business quite rapidly and extensive service networks to support customers across key transport hubs and the country's length and breadth. 

The 4228R is another segment's powerful truck with the new profit plus technology with five key elements of best in class fuel efficiency, superior safety & comfort, segment-best reliability, lowest maintenance costs, and connected trucks. Equipped with its powerful OM 926 BS6 engine that comes with a maximum power of 280hp and produces 1100 Nm of torque tuned to the 9-speed gearbox for superior mileage with an easy driving massive truck. The 4228R is available in wheelbases of 6575 mm in the sleeper cabin and 28ft load body option. 

The fuel tank size is 330 liters, an additional Adblue tank of 60 liters, the maximum gradeability of 29%, and the turning circle radius is 24m. BharatBenz 4228R is best among the equal in this category, and the company is gradually expanding its market share in key segments by taking on the aggressive rivals. 

This 42T GVW rigid truck category, like the rest of the long-haul categories, is crucial for both the customers and manufacturers. The rapid growth and sustain higher demand means more interest of the OEMs. This is positive for the customers as more competition brings better, high quality products with compelling offers to the customers. The 42T powerful 14 wheel trucks also reveal the growing stature and prominence of the Indian trucking industry.

Also Read: Top Trucks: India's 5-popular 12-wheel rigid trucks explained